MLB Player News

Howard was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

Howard threw just 51 pitches during Friday's loss to Atlanta, and he'll be sent to the minors to work on increasing his pitch count. The Rangers have two days off next week, so the team may be able to utilize a four-man rotation until Jon Gray (knee) is able to return.

Leiter was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Leiter has failed to impress in three starts and one relief appearance this season. He owns a 7.84 ERA and 1.74 WHIP, striking out just 20.4 percent of opposing batters while walking 14.3 percent. Locke St. John was recalled to take his place on the roster.

Peguero was recalled by the Angels on Saturday.

Peguero began the season at Triple-A Salt Lake and posted a 1.74 ERA and 0.69 WHIP in 10.1 innings over six relief appearances. He gave up seven runs in 2.1 innings over three outings with the Angels last year, and he's unlikely to pitch in high-leverage situations during his current stint in the majors.

Tapia was claimed off waivers by the Athletics on Saturday.

Tapia was designated for assignment by the Royals on Sunday, and he'll now head to Triple-A Las Vegas after being claimed by the Athletics. He made five appearances at Triple-A Omaha this year and posted a 3.60 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in five innings.

Trivino (illness) will begin a rehab assignment at Single-A Stockton on Sunday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander has been on the COVID-19 injured list since April 18, but he'll now return to game action with the Athletics' minor-league affiliate. Manager Mark Kotsay said Saturday that Trivino will be evaluated on a game-by-game basis to determine when he'll be cleared to rejoin the major-league club.

Francis was recalled by the Blue Jays on Saturday.

Francis was sent to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, but he'll quickly rejoin the major-league club as bullpen depth after Tayler Saucedo (hip) was placed on the 10-day injured list. The right-hander should pitch mainly in low-leverage situations.

Saucedo (hip) was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday.

Saucedo was removed from Friday's game against the Astros due to right hip discomfort, and he'll be sidelined for at least a week and a half. Bowden Francis was recalled to provide additional bullpen depth.

Stephan (2-0) picked up the win Friday versus the Athletics, pitching two perfect innings with two strikeouts.

It was an efficient outing for Stephan, who threw 16 of 19 pitches for strikes. That was good enough for the official scorers to credit the right-hander with the win instead of Enyel De Los Santos, who was in the game when the Guardians took the lead. Across 10 innings this season, Stephan has allowed one unearned run with a 10:0 K:BB and three holds in nine appearances. He won't be that effective all season, but he should have a chance to be part of the high-leverage mix in front of closer Emmanuel Clase.

Brentz allowed five runs (four earned) on four hits without recording an out in Friday's 12-2 loss to the Yankees.

Any chance of the Royals making a comeback disappeared after Brentz made a mess of the eighth inning. The southpaw has allowed multiple runs in four of his eight appearances this season, including 11 runs (10 earned) in his last three outings. In the small sample this season, he's sporting an ugly 23.63 ERA and 3.94 WHIP. There's little reason to have confidence in the reliever right now.

Coleman allowed four runs on three hits and a walk with one strikeout in two-thirds of an inning in Friday's 12-2 loss to the Yankees.

Coleman was tasked with the seventh inning in a 3-2 game, but he didn't do so well. He allowed an RBI single to DJ LeMahieu and a three-run home run to Aaron Judge before Amir Garrett entered the game. Coleman had pitched reasonably well before Friday's messy outing. He's posted a 6.14 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 11:5 K:BB with one hold in nine appearances across 7.1 innings.